He tucked the attaché under an elbow and strode away, chin high.
Charles’s overloaded bag pulled at his arm. He’d wasted yesterday and last night cramming for a case that would never go before a judge. The nature of the business, he understood, but foreknowledge didn’t ease the disappointment.
Charles tugged on his watch chain, drawing the timepiece from his vest pocket. The idea of returning to the office and poring over more paperwork made his eyes glaze. Perhaps he could spare a few minutes to watch part of the trial Miss King mentioned. He could use a reminder that some lawyers actually made a positive difference in the world.
***
Elizabeth willed her stomach to stop rolling as her heels clicked down the long corridor toward the courtroom. She’d read Tien Gum’s story in the Mission ledger last night, but hearing it in the girl’s own voice—or in Kum Yong’s as she translated—tore Elizabeth’s heart to shreds. She paused outside the closed door. If she couldn’t handle this, how would she endure working with the students day after day?
Elizabeth bounced her fingertips against her leg, fingering the chords of “Amazing Grace.” The song never failed to make her father smile, even in the final days of his illness. How quickly the melody returned to her in moments of worry. Elizabeth clenched her fist. Music wouldn’t make Tien’s pain go away, any more than it had Elizabeth’s temptations.
The door opened and Donaldina strode out, Kum Yong and Tien Gum on her heels. The girl clung to Kum Yong, her hiccupping sobs drawing the attention of many of the passersby. Donaldina stroked her arm and gestured for Elizabeth to join them. “Are you all right? I saw you slip out.”
“I’m fine. What happened? Is it over?”
“Judge Reinhardt declared a recess. I believe the final decision will be rendered shortly.”
Elizabeth pressed a knuckle against her lashes, the sight of Tien Gum’s tears causing her own eyes to water. “They must realize she didn’t steal the ring. How could anyone hear her testify and think she could be a thief?” She glanced over Donaldina’s shoulder, a familiar face catching her attention.
Mr. McKinley strode down the hallway toward her. The warmth in his brown eyes tightened the knot in Elizabeth’s throat.
“Miss King, Miss Cameron—I’m sorry to interrupt. My trial was cancelled, and I noticed you were here.” He glanced at Tien Gum, his brows drawing together. Mr. McKinley turned to Miss Cameron. “Do you need anything?”
Donaldina cocked her head as she studied the young man. “Mr. McKinley, right? We met in Sacramento.”
The attorney nodded, pulling off his derby and pressing it to his chest. “At your service.”
Helpful or meddlesome? Elizabeth sighed. At least he was a welcome distraction.
Donaldina straightened her lace cravat. “I appreciate your kindness. Tien Gum is a bit overwrought, but our lawyer, Mr. Allen, assures me he has everything in hand. The decision should be rendered soon, and we’ll be able to return to the Mission.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” He rolled a pocket watch around in his palm. “I was quite moved by your speech, Miss Cameron. I’d like . . . if you ever find yourself in need . . .” his gaze wandered to Elizabeth. “I’d like to assist in your work.” He returned his attention to Donaldina. “Do you mind if I come in and observe the proceedings?”
Donaldina touched his arm. “Of course. We’d appreciate your perspective.”
The man bobbed his head before disappearing into the courtroom.
Elizabeth turned to Donaldina. “Why do you think he’s so interested?”
The missionary smiled. “The Lord brings people into our lives as He sees fit. Our paths have crossed with Mr. McKinley’s more than once now. Perhaps God is at work in his heart.” She tipped her head, her gaze locked on Elizabeth. “But I can’t speak as to his plans.”
God’s plans or Mr. McKinley’s?
As Donaldina, Kum Yong, and Tien Gum returned to their chairs in the front, Elizabeth found a seat in the gallery and folded her trembling hands in her lap. What would happen to the young girl if the judge ruled against her? She glanced around the room until she located Mr. McKinley sitting near the front on the opposite side.
The trial began anew, and though Elizabeth tried to focus her thoughts, her eyes kept returning to the Chinese girl. Her former captors sat just across the aisle. How could these men sit there so dignified, knowing what had been done to the young woman in question? And now they had the gall to accuse her of stealing? Had they no hearts?
At long last the judge called the trial to a completion. The room sank into a crushing silence as the man cleared his throat. “I find the defendant, Tien Gum, guilty of theft.”
Elizabeth’s heart crashed against her ribs. Guilty. The word echoed deep within her own soul.
***
Charles jammed the pen into his shirt pocket as the folks in the gallery rose to their feet, cries of disbelief ringing through the courtroom.
The judge slammed down his gavel. “I will have order or I will clear the room.” A sickening hush fell across the assembly as he continued. “The minor child is remanded into state custody until deportation proceedings can commence.”
The defendant’s keening sobs carried through the hall. “I not, I not . . .” She lapsed into Cantonese, the sound tearing at Charles’s heart.
Miss Cameron placed a protective arm around the young girl.
Charles sank back in his seat, the impact of the decision causing a familiar clawing at his throat. He closed his eyes for a moment, the memory of his sister’s trial etched forever in his mind. A quick glance back at Elizabeth’s tearstained face heaped coals on the fire.
The judge shot a bushy-browed glance at the defense table. “The defendant—the minor child, Tien Gum—will be transported to the city jail until further arrangements can be made.”
Donaldina Cameron’s chin jerked up. “Your honor, she wouldn’t be safe. I must insist she remain in my custody. She could serve—”
The bang of Judge Reinhardt’s gavel cut off her words. “You are out of order, Miss Cameron. The court has been very tolerant of your outspoken manner in the past, but—”
“You have yet to experience my outspoken manner.” The woman’s fingers curled into fists.
Charles braced himself on the seat back in front of him. The Mission’s attorney needed to intervene.
As if on cue, Miss Cameron’s lawyer grasped her elbow, muttering in the woman’s ear.
She shook her head, brows pinched low. “I will not.” She shoved the man’s hand away and turned back to the bench. “If you insist on imprisoning this child, I’m going with her.”
The judge rose halfway off his seat, like a vulture hunched over its meal. “That can be arranged.”
Miss Cameron pulled the sobbing girl close. “Take her, you take me.”
